This hillside was 
once heavily timbered. 
F-247623 
BUT WHEN rain falls on denuded slopes, 
there is no vegetation to intercept it, no 
litter on the ground to retard the run-off. 
Instead of seeping into the soil, water rushes 
downhill, digs gullies, and takes away the 
best soil. Rivers run red with mud, over- 
flow their banks, and cause disastrous floods. 
[ 19 
